the bulletin 11-03.pmd - Valley City State University

Inside
President’s Corner
President’s Message
USNews Best College
New academic programs
VCSU Foundation Corner
VCSU hosting NSMIT
Arneson releases new CD
Students honor soldiers
VCSU receives Bush Grant
VCSU Music Reunion
Homecoming
Viking Highlights
Still special after all these years
Success Stories
Vikings on the Move
Weddings
Toll Free
800-532-8641, Ext. 37203
Val Moritz
701-845-7403
Tiffany Hieb
701-845-7411
Larry Robinson
701-845-7217
E-Mail
val.moritz@vcsu.edu
larry.robinson@vcsu.edu
tiffany.hieb@vcsu.edu
VCSU Home Page
http://www.vcsu.edu
THE BULLETIN
A Publication for Alumni & Friends of Valley City State University
Official Publication Number 071610 December 2003
Back to head of class
by Mike Nowatzki, The Forum
At first glance, Ellen Chaffee appears to be a
typical college instructor. When she asks her
freshman writing class at Valley City State
University how a citywide power outage the night
before affected their homework, one student’s
excuse doesn’t make the grade.
“Yeah, yeah, and the dog ate it,” she says, drawing
laughs from the freshmen.
About 15 minutes into the period, as Chaffee
reviews sentence structure, two students wearing
shorts and baseball caps stroll into the room.
“So nice to have you here, gentlemen,” she says
wryly. “Thank you for coming.”
And as class gets under way, she announces
tongue-in-cheek, “OK, I think we’re going to start
with the mini-lesson in grammar and stuff.”
Despite her comfortable appearance, Chaffee
isn’t an average college instructor. For the past 10
years, she has served as president of VCSU, which
reported fall enrollment at 998 students. Two
weeks before fall classes began, a part-time
instructor was lured away from VCSU with a
full-time position at North Dakota State
University. With no time to find a replacement,
Chaffee filled the void.
By teaching, Chaffee said she is learning a lot
about students’ experiences and ideas, faculty life
and herself.
However, it’s not the first time she’s stood in
front of a classroom.
Chaffee graduated with a bachelor’s degree in
English from the University of Kentucky in 1966
and taught at high schools in Moorhead and
Hinsdale, Ill. In 1971, she received her master’s
degree in counseling from NDSU and worked in
the student affairs office for several years.
After earning a doctorate degree in
administration and policy analysis from Stanford
University in 1980, she landed a research position
at the University of Colorado, where she also taught
statistics part time. She became president of both
VCSU and Mayville State University in 1993,
and of VCSU alone on Oct. 1, 2002.
Over the years, Chaffee has stayed on top of her
English and writing skills by publishing 20 articles
and penning her weekly column, the “President’s
Corner.” But writing and teaching students how
to write are two very different things, she said.
On the first day of class, she put the freshmen at
ease by admitting that she, too, felt like a freshman,
being in front of a class for the first time in 20
years, said one of her students, Alicia Rothschiller
of Ashley.
“She has a fun class,” Rothschiller said. “She’s
all excited.”
Chaffee also understands the challenges facing
students, Rothschiller said. Thursday’s class was
in part a special review session for the midterm
exam, which Chaffee postponed a week because
she felt students didn’t have a proper grasp of the
subject matter.
“If we don’t get it, she makes sure she goes over
it,” Rothschiller said.
Chaffee said she works hard at being a good
teacher, spending at least 15 hours a week — mostly
during nights and weekends — preparing for class
and grading papers.
Her responsibilities as a teacher almost always
Back to head of class, continued on page 8

Page 2, The Bulletin
David M. Hanson
VCSU Alumni President
President’s Corner
by David M. Hanson ’83
Greetings from Wyndmere, ND...
My name is David Hanson and
I am the VCSU Alumni President
for 2003-2004. I graduated from
VCSU in 1983 with a major in
elementary education. I am
currently the elementary
administrator and technology
coordinator for the Wyndmere
Public School. My wife Tami
teaches JH/HS Math. I have two
sons, Devin (10 th grade) and another son Christian (6 th grade). This year
marks the 19 th year I have spent in Wyndmere.
Valley City State has always been an important part of my life. Growing
up in Valley City, I was (am) a loyal Viking fan! I really can’t remember
ever considering any other colleges when entering that part of my life. I
was very well prepared for my first elementary teaching position in
Lidgerwood, North Dakota. I have taken that training and experience
and continued my professional career here at Wyndmere.
Val Moritz
Alumni Relations
Valley City State University has a respected
reputation for having excellent faculty and staff.
Numerous faculty and staff devote many years of
their lives to serving students here at VCSU. We
have been saddened this last year by the passing of
two of those longtime VCSU alumni and faculty:
Art Dafoe and Jim O’Connell.
Art was a faculty member and chair of the chemistry
department for 24 years before he retired in 1981.
Jim began his career at VCSU in 1948 and taught
for 46 years before retiring in 1994 as chair of the
mathematics department. Their dedication to their
students was evident, and both also served their
communities in many different capacities. Their retirement didn’t end their relationship
with VCSU. They remained interested in campus news and attended campus events
whenever possible.
We will miss Art and Jim, but we know their legacy will live on for years. Their
students are passing on the love for learning that Art and Jim instilled in so many. To
Nora and Meryl and their families, we extend our sincere sympathies and our heartfelt
thanks for sharing these wonderful gentlemen with us.
Frequent Flyer Miles
If you have frequent flyer miles you would
like to donate, please call our office at:
1-800-532-8641 ~ ext. 37203
As elementary administrator for the school, I have had the responsibility
of hiring new elementary instructors. Valley City State is always my first
call. Who is graduating and who might fit the needs we have here at
Wyndmere? All of the instructors I have hired from VCSU have been
top notch!
This past year I was asked if I would consider having two student
teachers from VCSU. Needless to say this was a request I could not say
no to. Our students benefited greatly from their presence here. One of
them is now my kindergarten teacher.
The story comes full circle with my holding the position of Alumni
President. I take this responsibility very seriously as VCSU commands a
very high degree of respect not only in our state, but across the country
as well. If there is anything the Alumni board or I can do to promote
VCSU in your area, I hope you won’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
David M. Hanson
Class of 1983
David.M.Hanson.1@sendit.nodak.edu
VALLEY CITY STATE UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President
OFFICERS
David Hanson ’83 – Wyndmere, ND
First Vice President Linda Olson ’79 – Cooperstown, ND
Second Vice President Jim Ukestad ’78 – Jamestown, ND
Treasurer Joan Noeske ’62 – Oriska, ND
Immediate Past President Gayle (Klinkhammer) Nelson ’83 – Jamestown, ND
DIRECTORS
Serving to 2004:
Brian Griffin ’69 Battle Lake, MN
Leo Schmidt ’61 Valley City, ND
Janis Wallender ’77 Beulah, ND
Mike Zick ’97 Rosemount, MN
Serving to 2005:
Greg Grooters ’82 West Fargo, ND
D.C. Lucas ’96 Fargo, ND
John Monilaws ’87 Valley City, ND
Jerry Topp ’74 Fargo, ND
Serving to 2006:
Coleen Asche ’86 Grand Forks, ND
Mike Hangaard ’77 Elk River, MN
Rae Ann Vandrovec ’75 Jamestown, ND
Missy Vollmers ’89 Bismarck, ND
VCSU Foundation Representatives
Janet E. Schultz ’66 Valley City, ND
Bob King ’55 Valley City, ND
Editor: Val Moritz
Layout: JJ Thoreson
The Bulletin is published in Spring, Summer, and Fall by Valley City State
University Alumni Association, Valley City, ND. Postage paid at Valley City and
additional mailing offices.
Postmaster: Send address changes to
The Bulletin, 101 College Street SW, Valley City, ND 58072

President’s Message
by Dr. Ellen-Earle Chaffee
For the sixth straight year, we
started fall semester with the news
that Valley City State University is
one of the top public colleges in
the Midwest, according to US
News & World Report. As usual, we
have much to celebrate. Our new
IBM notebook computers for
faculty and students have
multimedia features to help
students prepare their digital
portfolios, now required for
graduation. Sun Microsystems is
our new and very supportive
partner for networking and
behind-the-scenes equipment.
Faculty and students are making
presentations on technologyenriched
learning at major
national conferences.
Grant funding is increasing
exponentially in the area of
undergraduate scientific research.
Dr. Andre DeLorme had the first
major projects in the 1990s from
state sources to fund research on
macroinvertebrates in North
Dakota. Last year, a federally
funded program allowed us to hire
Dr. Hilde Van Gijssel, a
toxicologist from the Netherlands
who had been working at the
National Institutes of Health. Not
only was she the students’ choice
for teacher of the year last year,
but her work has also attracted
significantly more funding. Drs.
DeLorme and Van Gijssel share a
newly renovated laboratory in
McCarthy Hall. Curt Hill has a
new National Science Foundation
grant to enhance computer
Valley City State University has been
recognized by U.S. News and World
Report as one of the Best
Comprehensive Colleges in the
Midwest for the sixth year in a row,
along with Southwest State University
(MN), University of Minnesota—
Crookston (MN) and Dakota State
University (SD). VCSU is the only
ND institution to make a US News “top” list again this year.
Comprehensive Colleges focus primarily on undergraduate
education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts
but grant fewer than 50 percent of their degrees in liberal arts
disciplines. At these schools, at least 10 percent of undergraduate
degrees awarded are bachelor’s degrees. There are 324
comprehensive colleges, ranked within four regions: North, South,
Midwest, and West.
The U.S. News ranking system relies on quantitative measures
that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of
academic quality, and it is based on their nonpartisan view of
what matters in education.
The U.S. News rankings are based on several key measures of
quality. These measures fall into seven broad categories: peer
assessment, retention, faculty resources, student selectivity,
financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation
rate performance.
“An endorsement from US News in any year is phenomenal,
but to receive this prestigious honor for six years in a row is
incredible,” stated Dr. Ellen Chaffee, VCSU President. She
added that “It is also justified. The faculty, staff, and students
have been setting the standard for quality, year after year, with
relentless energy and purpose. This is a wonderful way to launch
another great year at Valley City State University.”
science education at VCSU and
United Tribes Technical College.
We are proud, too, of Linda
Whitney-McGillis, associate
professor of art, who received a
$2,500 fellowship from the North
Dakota Council of the Arts. The
program supports professional
artists with outstanding talent
and ability.
Construction has begun to
convert Kolstoe Hall to suites with
upscale amenities such as a fitness
center, air conditioning, and top
of the line materials. We are
bidding on an addition to the
north side of Graichen Gym to
add a welcoming lobby, west
entrance, elevator, and restrooms.
The city and FEMA are giving us
two lots by the river where houses
Page 3, The Bulletin
Ellen-Earle Chaffee
VCSU President
once stood, destined to be muchappreciated
parking lots.
I could go on and on, of course.
The faculty, staff, and students at
Valley City State University
provide new cause for celebration
daily. Thank you for your interest
and support!
New Academic Programs at VCSU
VCSU is excited to announce the following programs were approved
at the November State Board for Higher Education meeting.
Bachelor of Science and Arts in Health Services: This program is
designed to prepare students for advanced studies at professional schools
(medical, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy) or graduate school.
Teaching English Language Learners (Minor): VCSU currently offers
its Elementary and Secondary education majors the English as a Second
Language (ESL) endorsement, a 16 hour program approved by the
North Dakota Education Standards and Practices Board. The Teaching
English Language Learners (ELL) minor builds on the core requirements
of this endorsement to offer education students a viable minor that will
both increase their opportunities for employment and improve the quality
of K-12 education for second language learners and limited English
proficient (LEP) students in North Dakota.
Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Music Management and a
minor in Music Business: This new degree offers a broad new degree
and career path to musicians and business students with a interest in
the entertainment industry. This is the only degree of its kind in
North Dakota.
Master of Science in Technology Education: This program is a
cooperative program between UND and VCSU. The program draws
from course work development as part of the curriculum project designed
by VCSU faculty, International Technology Education Association
consultants, and with input from the UND technology faculty. The
purpose is to further integrate the new Standards for Technological
Literacy into Technology Education for the K-12 curriculum. The VCSU
project is to prepare baccalaureate degree educators on how to incorporate
the standards into the curriculum. The graduate program builds on that
base to cross-train credentialed educator and upgrade in-service
technology education teachers with the skills set from the new
Standards Project.

Page 4, The Bulletin
VCSU’s V-500 Scholarship Program – Sustaining the Vision Since 1972
The Valley City State University
V-500 Scholarship Program was
founded in the early 1970s. The
first scholarships were for $75
each. Needless to say, very few
scholarships were awarded. Since
that time the program has grown
and expanded considerably.
Today, up to $170,000 in
scholarships are awarded annually
ranging from $750 to $1,500,
with approximately 165 students
receiving scholarships each
year. According to Larry
Robinson, Director of University
Advancement, “The V-500
Program has been a tremendous
success. The founders of this
important program clearly had a
vision and a commitment to Valley
City State University. To date,
several thousand students
have benefited from V-500
scholarships.” The theme for this
year’s membership drive is
“Sustaining the Vision.” The goal
is to sustain the vision of
the founders of V-500 over
30 years ago.
Tuition at VCSU for 2003-
2004, increased by over 20%.
That increase brought the tuition
for the 2003-2004 academic year
to $2,590. In addition, students
are required to pay a $998
technology fee. The room and
board rates are estimated to total
$3,140. Add to this list of costs
$700 for books and supplies and
an additional $2,700 for living
expenses, the total estimated
annual costs to attend VCSU for
one academic year exceeds
$10,000. Needless to say, tuition
increases make the scholarship
program more important than
ever. Newly elected V-500
President, Dr. Sharon McCarriar,
recently stated, “Without V-500
scholarships, we would be hard
pressed to compete for quality
students at the university.”
The minutes of the Valley City
State College Foundation of May
31, 1972, noted that the V-500
Scholarship Program was
fashioned after similar programs at
Concordia College and Dickinson
State College. In those days,
tuition at the college for one
academic year totaled $315,
compared to $2,590 this year.
The minutes of the V-500
Foundation reflect total pledges of
$48,000 as of March 27, 1973
with a total of $13,928.34 cash
on hand. Thanks to over 1,000
members, the V-500 program has
shown steady growth since
those humble beginnings in the
early 1970’s.
Unfortunately, the challenges of
tomorrow will place additional
pressure on V-500. Competition
for students is at an all time high.
According to Robinson, “Even
Students Speak Out – Thank You V-500!
“This scholarship has allowed me to pursue an
education at a top quality institution. I appreciate
knowing that there are alumni and friends that
care so much about VCSU that they graciously
donated to help future leaders. I look forward to
the day I can give back to the university and help
a new generation of students experience what
VCSU has to offer.”
Brady Larson, VCSU Senior
Student Senate President
Lignite, ND
though we are on the right road,
we must keep moving or we will
be run over. In today’s
marketplace, growth is absolutely
essential for us to remain
competitive.” Robinson further
noted that some institutions are
offering renewable $2,000 annual
scholarships. The scholarship is
automatically renewed each year,
providing the student meets the
criteria and remains a full time
student at the institution.
Consider for example, the
total cost of providing 100 of
those scholarships each year for
four years!
“The key to the success of the
V-500 program has been the
strong support that V-500 has
enjoyed from our alumni, friends,
and the business community.
They have been there from the
very beginning,” stated Robinson.
“We have been blessed by so many
folks and businesses who have
elected to purchase multiple
memberships and to move to
higher levels of giving. For V-500
to continue to grow, that practice
and commitment needs to
continue,” noted Robinson.
The V-500 listing for donors is
a story of commitment to a
program, a university and to
students. The list of single
memberships is long and it is
growing. More importantly, the list
of multiple memberships, e.g.,
V-1,000; V-5,000; V-10,000;
V-20,000; V-25,000 and
additional upper level
memberships, is impressive. The
program has also received several
estate gifts from folks via wills.
The V-500 Board of Directors
recently met and reorganized for
the academic year. The
membership drive for the year is
underway. According to
Robinson, “special emphasis will
be placed on encouraging folks
who have supported the program
previously to do so again. We
simply must look at V-500 as an
on going commitment. It is clearly
an opportunity for all of us to give
something back to VCSU.
Anyone who had benefited from
a V-500 scholarship in the past,
should give serious consideration
to supporting this membership
drive and allowing another
student to attend Valley City State
University with the support of a
V-500 scholarship.” Robinson
concluded, by saying, “It Takes
Two, V-500 and You.” Folks
interested in further information
on the V-500 Scholarship
Program should contact the
VCSU Advancement Office at
701-845-7203.
“The scholarships that I have received from
Valley City State University have all been very
valuable to me. It is the people who contribute to
the scholarships that make my education as well
as many others’ a possibility. I know that I will
contribute to the scholarship funds in the future.
I want future students to be granted the same
opportunity for an education as I have been
privileged to receive.”
Kimberly Kuhlmann, VCSU Senior
Wimbledon, ND

V-500 Scholarship Program
V a l l e y C i t y S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y
Help support the students of VCSU with a new pledge to the V-500 Scholarship Program!
New or renewed commitments receive the following benefits in appreciation of your continued support:
$150 per year
(5 year commitment):
V-500 Membership pin
Program Recognition
2 tickets to V-500 Banquet
V-500 Shirt
$250 per year
(5 year commitment):
V-500 Membership Pin
Program Recognition
2 tickets to V-500 Banquet
Photo and press release
V-500 jacket or blanket
$500 per year
(5 year commitment):
V-500 Membership Pin
Program Recognition
2 tickets to V-500 Banquet
Photo and press release
V-500 jacket or blanket
V-500 shirt
$1,000 per year
(5 year commitment):
V-500 Membership Pin
Program Recognition
2 tickets to V-500 banquet
Photo and press release
Dinner for two with
President Chaffee
VCSU wooden rocker
or chair
A small portion of your gift may be used to
offset administrative costs associated with membership.
V-500 Membership Application 2003-04
Page 5, The Bulletin
$2,000 per year
(5 year commitment):
V-500 Membership Pin
Program Recognition
2 tickets to V-500 banquet
Photo and press release
Dinner for two with
President Chaffee
2 VCSU wooden rockers
or chairs
Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City __________________________________________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________________
Phone ________________________________________________________ Email ___________________________________________________________
Annual Commitment:
$150 per year for 5 years
$250 per year for 5 years
$500 per year for 5 years
$1,000 per year for 5 years
$2,000 per year for 5 years
Other (Please specify): ______________________________
Benefits of membership reduce the amount of your tax
deduction. This amount will be reflected on your receipt.
Payment Frequency:
Annual
Semi-Annual
If you would like to make your payment during a specific month,
please list: __________________________________________
I request that my entire donation be applied to VCSU V-500
Scholarships and do not wish to receive any gifts as part of
my membership.
Do you or your spouse work for a matching gift company?
Yes No
Payment Option:
Check: Payable to VCSU Foundation/V-500
Credit Card: Mastercard Visa
Card #: _______–_______–________–_______
_______________________________________________
Signature on Account Exp. Date
Check here to automatically charge this credit card when
payments are due.
Payroll Deduction: VCSU Employees
Please obtain a Payroll Deduction form in the
VCSU Foundation Office.
Automatic Withdrawal: Enclose voided check.
I authorize the VCSU Foundation/V-500 to withdraw $___________
semi-annually on the 15th of the months_______________and
_______________for_____________months to complete my pledge.
_______________________________________________
Signature on Account Date
Please mail completed form to:
VCSU V-500; Valley City State University;
101 College St. SW; Valley City, ND 58072

Page 6, The Bulletin
Jim Collins Jr. recognized as the
“Environmental Educator of the Year”
Jim Collins Jr., of the North Dakota Department of Health in Bismarck,
accepted the 2003 “ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR OF THE
YEAR” award at the Trees Bowl and Awards Ceremony held in Fargo on
September 27. Nominations were received from across the state, and
the award winners were recognized by the North Dakota Forest Service
and North Dakota State University.
Jim is one of those state employees that is unafraid to work evenings,
weekends or whenever he is needed. He is definitely a 24/7 type person.
Jim’s great enthusiasm and interesting messages help others learn about
their environment. He leads the department’s water quality education
program and is engaged in the Envirothon, adult workshops, Eco-Ed
and water festivals. He educates people of all ages about the need for
clean water, sources of pollution and how each of us can do our part
to help.
The award winners were honored at a recognition ceremony at North
Dakota State University. State Forester Larry Kotchman and President
New VCSU Alumni Board Members
Jim Collins, Jr., (middle) receives the “Environmental Educator of the
Year” award from NDSU President Joseph Chapman and State Forester
Larry Kotchman.
Joseph Chapman presented each winner with a special Trees Awards
plaque and limited edition print. The award winners were also recognized
on the field during the NDSU halftime activities at the Trees Bowl
Football Game that afternoon.
Rae Ann Vandrovec currently teaches fourth grade at St. John’s Academy in Jamestown. She has completed
25 years of teaching. Rae Ann was awarded the Presidential Award of Academic Excellence for Elementary
Science Education in Washington, D. C. She received a Fulbright Memorial Teachers’ Fund Award to study
in Japan in the fall of 2001. Rae Ann is also a graduate of the NASA New Teachers’ Program in Cleveland,
Ohio. She has presented at the State Teaching and Technology Conference and the State Reading Conference.
Rae Ann is a successful grant writer, receiving funding for all eleven classroom projects for which she applied.
She is married to Jim (both graduates of VCSU) and has 2 sons, Terry and Kevin. Rae Ann is currently
attending graduate school at NDSU working toward a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction.
Missy (Stowman) Vollmers grew up in Valley City and graduated from VCSU in 1989. She received her
masters degree from the University of St. Thomas in 1993. Missy taught first grade for four years in Brainerd,
MN, and then moved to Bismarck where she has been working with the Bismarck Public Schools for 10
years. She is currently teaching kindergarten at Centennial Elementary School. Missy and her husband,
Chad, have a two-year old son, Justin. Chad is employed at Bobcat.
Coleen (Ellefson) Asche is a native of Milnor, ND. She was an ’86 graduate and started teaching mathematics
at Schroeder Jr. High in Grand Forks fall ’86. She also coached basketball and volleyball while at Schroeder.
She received her Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the UND in ’93. She has taught math
in the GF school district at Schroeder, Central HS, Red River HS and has been at Community HS since fall
’97. She and her husband Rick have 3 daughters: Holly (13), Emily (11), and Heidi (9). They enjoy
attending UND hockey and basketball games and spending time at South Turtle Lake in the summer.
Coleen is active with her church and all her girls’ activities. She is honored to be part of the VCSU Alumni
Board of Directors. She is especially excited to be on the board with one of her former students from
Schroeder, Mike Zick!
Vandrovec
Vollmers
Asche

The Sixth National Symposium
on Music Instruction Technology
(NSMIT) will be held at Valley
City State University June 17-19,
2004. The NSMIT conference
will provide opportunities for
music educators and music
education researchers to share
knowledge and experiences
concerning technology-enhanced
music instruction. Its purposes are
to provide an opportunity for
music researchers and teachers in
the field to share and discuss
applications of technology; to
encourage appropriate uses of
music technology in PreK-12
learning environments; and
to distribute findings of
investigations into learning with
music technology. The scope of the
presentations is from beginner to
advanced applications of music
technologies in the classroom,
appealing to music teachers at all
levels. Participants with no
experience are welcome as well as
those who have experimented
with music technologies and want
to extend their knowledge.
In addition, pre-conference
workshops on Wednesday, June
16, will be available to participants
that will include a morning of
team-building events at Corporate
Learning Adventures in Kathryn,
ND, and a tour and
demonstration of the Regional
Technology Center in Valley City
in the afternoon. Graduate credit
for attendance is pending.
The co-chairs of the three-day
event are Dr. Sara Hagen, VCSU,
Dr. Jack Taylor, Florida State
University (retired) and UNC-
Greensboro, and Dr. Kimberly
Walls, Auburn University.
The symposium began in 1999
as a project of the Music Education
Program at Auburn in conjunction
with the Center for Music
Research at the Florida State
University under the direction of
Walls and Taylor, respectively. The
conference has also received
sponsorship from the MENC:
The National Association for
Music Education. Previous
symposium sites include FSU and
Auburn as well as the University
of Oklahoma and Illinois State
University, which draw a number
of local as well as regional and
national presenters and audiences.
Presentations, demonstrations,
and hands-on workshops are
featured on numerous topics
including teaching with
technology, reports of research
findings, technology ensembles,
student electronic compositions,
or student-produced multimedia
projects. Proposals are welcome
from both PreK-12 teachers and
college faculty experienced in
music technology or other related
areas, such as multimedia or
research relevant to teaching and
learning with technology. Data
Stream, an electronic ensemble
from Northfield, MN, will be the
featured guest artists for the
event, led by Dr. Peter Hamlin of
St. Olaf College.
The conference will be held
prior to the summer Technology
Institute for Music Educators
(TI:ME) continuing education
course at Valley City State
University (June 21-25). The
TI:ME organization was formed
partly in order to standardize
teaching curricula for music
technology so that teachers in the
field can be certified with a
recognized set of skills needed for
Page 7, The Bulletin
VCSU to host National Symposium on Music Instruction Technology
HONOR/MEMORIAL GIFTS
VALLEY CITY STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Please send to: VCSU Alumni Association, 101 College Street SW, Valley City, ND 58072.
Enclosed is my contribution in the amount of $ _______________________ .
In memory of:___________________________________________
In honor of: ____________________________________________
Please acknowledge donation to:
___________________________________________________
(Name)
___________________________________________________
(Address)
From:
___________________________________________________
(Name)
___________________________________________________
(Address)
incorporating music technology
into the schools. Dr. Sara Hagen is
the only certified TI:ME
instructor in North Dakota and
has significant experience in
teaching and learning with music
technologies. Slated for the
summer of 2004 is a one-week
two-credit course in Sequencing
(Level 2), a recording method for
creating accompaniments and
compositions with synthesizers.
Teachers must have completed
Level 1 certification in order to
participate. In the past two
summers, eight music educators in
North Dakota and South Dakota
have been certified in Level 1 of
TI:ME by completing both level
1A (electronic instruments,
notation, and sequencing) and
level 1B (multimedia, Internet,
and communications) courses at
VCSU. The Level 1 courses will
again be available summer
of 2005.
For more information, contact
Sara Hagen via email at
sara.hagen@vcsu.edu or by
telephone locally at 845-7270 or
toll-free 1-800-532-8641 ext.
3-7270.
O’Connell
Scholarship Established
A scholarship in memory of former VCSU
professor Jim O’Connell has been established.
A 1948 graduate of Valley City State
University, Jim began his career at VCSU
immediately after his graduation. He became
the chair of the mathematics department in
1964 and continued in that role until his
retirement in 1994. Although he retired, he
still continued teaching on many different
levels. Students and learning were two of his
major priorities.
Jim is survived by his wife of 60 years, Meryl;
son, James (Barbara Kramer) of Grand Forks;
daughters, Sandy (Dalton) West of Annapolis,
MD; and Peggy (Dave) Sola of West Fargo;
four grandchildren and three great
grandchildren; and one sister.
Contributions to this memorial scholarship
fund may be sent to the VCSU Foundation
Office, Valley City State University, 101
College Street SW, Valley City, ND 58072.

Page 8, The Bulletin
2003 Hall of Fame
Inductees
Back to head of class, continued from page 1
come before her presidential
duties, although the latter still
occasionally pull her away from the
classroom, she said.
So far this semester, she’s missed
three classes: one for a Board of
Higher Education meeting, one to
be a guest speaker at a technology
conference and a third for a
doctor’s appointment. Chaffee
was diagnosed with breast
cancer Oct. 17, 2002, but she
battled back with surgery
and chemotherapy.
“So everything’s back on track,”
she said.
Her years in administration have
altered her approach to teaching.
“I’m probably a better teacher
today than I was before, because
I’m trying to teach in a way that
works for me and that I think will
work for them, and I’m constantly
seeking feedback,” she said.
Pete Hughes
Women’s basketball team from 1990-91 (left to right): Dan Taylor, Jill (Henningsgard) Taylor,
Ramona (Huschka) Meiklejohn, Sue Fjellander, KaSaundra (Larson) Olstad, Donita (Stenson)
Lennon, Coach Al Olson, Lena Throlson, Mary (Enstad) Fike, Kathy (Mans) Nielsen, Holly (Pow)
Williams, Wanda Schwab, Jody (Baarstad) Muscha, and Becky Ust.
That input is important because
college students have changed in
the past 20 years, she said, adding
a shorter attention span is
probably the most noticeable
difference. Instead of spending
hours preparing for a lecture, she
now identifies goals before each
class and plans hands-on activities
to accomplish them.
During Thursday’s class in
Room 112 of Vangstad
Auditorium, 17 students posted
journal entries on an online
“blackboard,” using the laptop
computers issued to every
VCSU student.
Students in the class say they
enjoy the laptops because they can
look up assignments anytime and
stay in touch more easily with
instructors and other students.
Chaffee said the technology has
helped her, as well.
Wanda Schwab
Casey Schweitzer
“I wouldn’t be able to teach
without technology,” she said.
“One of the things that was always
really hard for me was staying
organized.”
Getting up in front of a
classroom used to be like climbing
on a horse, she said.
“Now, it’s a rocket ship or
something,” she said, laughing.
“I’ve told the faculty here for years
that I’ve never taught because it’s
too hard.”
Michel Hillman, vice chancellor
for academic and students affairs
for the North Dakota University
System, said there are plenty of
examples of university vice
presidents who teach classes,
but not as many examples
of presidents.
“I would say it’s not real
common, but it’s not what I
would label unusual,” he said.
Jim Thies
Sharon Etemad, president at
Lake Region State College in Devils
Lake, is a part-time instructor in
the University of North Dakota’s
education leadership program.
“It’s important to me to keep
connected with the educational
process,” she said.
Chaffee, 59, said she has no
plans to retire anytime soon. She
doesn’t know yet whether she’ll
teach during spring semester.
“I don’t know if they’ll let me,”
she said, laughing. “I would really
love to teach. It gives the campus
experience it’s most rewarding
fundamental dimension. The
presidency plus teaching is, I
would say, heaven.”

VCSU Foundation Corner
Larry Robinson, Director of Advancement
Life Insurance: The Forgotten Gift?
Do you have a life insurance
policy you no longer need? Perhaps
your other assets have grown to
provide the protection you require,
and the insurance policy lies
forgotten in a safety deposit box.
Did you know that the policy
could make a wonderful charitable
gift to Valley City State University?
Instead of giving cash or stock,
you could sign over your policy to
Valley City State University and,
generally speaking, receive a
charitable income tax deduction for
the replacement value of the policy.
Valley City State University could
cash in the policy and put those
dormant dollars to work right away.
Your gift of life insurance can
be used to establish a future
endowment fund in your name...
or you can honor someone else
through the fund. The policy
could also be used to assist with a
capital project or simply give the
annual fund a mighty boost.
If you have insurance you may
like to contribute, or if you are
Campus Beautification
Fund Established
The Valley City State University Advancement Office announces
the establishment of a Campus Beautification Fund. The fund
will be used to offset costs associated with a wide variety of
campus beautification projects including flower gardens, tree
replacement, landscaping projects, etc. According to Larry
Robinson, Director of Advancement, “There is an ongoing need
to offset costs associated with a host of campus beautification
related projects. We are blessed with a beautiful campus. The
establishment of this fund will help us insure that the beauty of
the campus is protected for years to come.” Folks interested in
contributing to this fund should send their contributions to the
VCSU Foundation Office, Campus Beautification Fund, Valley
City State University, Valley City, North Dakota 58072. All
donors will be listed in the annual Donor Edition of The Bulletin.
She’s making us proud...
Following are excerpts from a letter sent to Scott and Mary
Tangen from Captain Matt Rottamn, commanding officer of
VCSU graduate, Kari Tangen ’00.
I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you what a wonderful
soldier Kari is. She is constantly looking for ways to improve
our section’s performance as well as her own. She is one of
the hardest working soldiers I have seen during my years in
the military.
I’m sure you are aware that Kari intends to attend Officer’s
Candidate School. I have no doubt she will be successful. She
exhibits many of the traits necessary to be successful as an
Army officer.
You have raised a terrific soldier who has the potential to be
an outstanding officer. You should be extremely proud of Kari
and rest assured that she is a vital part of our Nation’s defense.
I only wish I had about ten more soldiers like her.
currently paying premiums on a
policy and want to discover how
this policy might work as a gift,
contact our Advancement
Director, Larry Robinson. He will
be pleased to meet with you and
describe the various ways insurance
can be used prudently to make a
planned gift. He is also available to
meet with your life insurance
professional, if you wish. You can
reach Larry at 701-845-7217.
We also have a complimentary
brochure for you on giving
Dear Mr. Robinson:
Response Form
Page 9, The Bulletin
Larry Robinson
Director of Advancement
insurance. You can request it over
the phone or by using the handy
response form below.
Please send me the free booklet on giving
life insurance to Valley City State University.
Please contact me on the phone. My number is:
____________________________________
and the best time to reach me is:
____________________________________
Name: _________________________________
Mailing address: __________________________
______________________________________
City: __________________________________
State: ________ Zip: _____________________
Place the completed form in an envelope and mail to:
Larry Robinson, Director of Advancement
Valley City State University
101 College Street SW
Valley City, ND 58072

Page 10, The Bulletin
Melanie Hericks ’02 is
pictured at her white coat
ceremony at Des Moines
University College of
Podiatric Medicine and
Surgery. She is a member of
the Class of 2007.
We’ll Be
Seeing You
...
VCSU Alumni
& Friends
Socials
...
DENVER, CO
Jan. 10, 2004
MESA, AZ
Feb. 7, 2004
The Terrace Green
at Viewpoint
MIAMI, FL
Feb. 14, 2004
Radisson Mart
Plaza Hotel
MINNEAPOLIS, MN
March 20, 2004
Elk River
American Legion
Arneson releases new CD
Mark Arneson, who attended Valley City State
University in the late 1970’s, recently released a
new musical CD titled “City Stories” under the
name The Mark Arneson Project. Tom Surowicz,
a critic for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, says
the songs of “City Stories,” a
concept album of urban R&B,
are “catchy and undeniable slices
of pep/rock/funk” that deserve
to be heard (and danced to) in a
lot of urban locales, both here
and abroad.”
Mark was born in Los Angeles,
California, where he stayed in
foster homes until he was
adopted by loving family in North Dakota. At a
young age Mark studied keyboards and at the
age of 6 he gave his first recital. By the age of 7 he
did his first professional gig, playing bass. At the
same time still developing his keyboard skills and
doing solo performances.
Mark then developed an interest in guitar.
Growing up listening to top 40 radio and playing
classical music, guitar was another outlet to learn
another type of music – rock and roll. He ended
up learning the Jimi Hendrix album “Band of
Gypsys” album by the time he was 16. In an
effort to “broaden” Marks musical horizons, his
parents sent him to jazz camp where he developed
in acute interest in saxophone. At the end of
high school, he was proficient in bass, keyboards,
saxophone, guitar, and two new instrumentsviolin
and vocals.
Mark attended Valley City State College in the
late 1970’s and met his future wife, Beth Gusaas.
At Valley City State, Mark joined the EBC Fraternity
which made him eligible to direct the 18-piece jazz
orchestra. He did some arranging for and conducting
of the band’s vocal and big band charts. During his
years at college, Mark would spend his summers in
Medora, North Dakota, running the soundboard
for the Medora Musical and developing his ears for
his future craft.
From 1981-1983, Mark joined a country rock
band called “Sagebrush.” The band moved from
Detroit Lakes to Breckenridge, Colorado, where
he had the opportunity to play ski resorts in
Keystone, Copper, Vail, Steamboat Springs,
Winter Park, Arapahoe Basin and the Little Bear
in Evergreen. In 1984, Mark
moved to Fargo to play in bands
and study saxophone at
Moorhead State University.
Mark moved to Reno, Nevada,
in 1986 to play in nightclubs.
There he met an internationally
known Steel Guitar player
named Ernie Hagar. In 1988,
he moved to Minneapolis
where he worked at Schmitt Music and played
in blues and country bands. Mark won a
Minnesota Music Award in 1991. In 1993, Mark
produced and wrote all the songs for the critically
acclaimed jazz CD “Flammable Jammies”
featuring some of the twin cities
finest musicians.
Mark accumulated the best recording gear at
the time and began to learn the art of engineering.
Instead of learning on other peoples projects, he
decided to use his new project “City Stories” as
his learning adventure. So Mark used the best
vocalists in the midwest and Paisley Park head
recording engineer, Jonathan Akre, took him
under his wing.”
Referring to this, Mark says; “I bring everything
I can to the project. I approach music in a very
unique way. My theory and harmonization skills
can be used in many different formats. Such as
in my own CDs, I like to bring diverse elements
to the music. I’ve always tried to keep my music
as truthful as I possibly can. I know sometimes
when improvising on gig, mixing a song, writing
a tune, or whatever, you have to keep a window
open for God to come through. ‘Cause with over
35 years of performing, and over 20 years of
teaching I couldn’t do it without him.”
The Mark Arneson Project CD “City Stories”
can be found on-line at www.tcmusic.net.

Pictured with Dr. Ellen Chaffee (right) are
Art’s daughters Carroll (left) and Peggy
(center) presenting a cash donation in memory
of their father as well as a plaque which
will be permanently displayed in Rhoades
Science Center.
Doris Eileen Geske has been
named national MTNA
Teacher of the Year by the Music
Teachers National Association.
Geske learned of the award by
letter Tuesday at her home in
Verona. Geske will receive
round trip airfare to the national
convention in Kansas City,
Missouri in March, 2004, four
nights of lodging at the
conference hotel, conference
registration, and tickets to the
awards brunch and the
Foundation gala.
Geske was previously named
state Music Teacher of the Year at
the North Dakota Music
Teachers Association (NDMTA)
Convention held October 26-28,
2001 in Williston. Recipients are
selected from nominees from
throughout the state, based upon
three criteria: Educational
Preparation, Reputation as an
Effective Teacher, and Service to
Community and State as
Musician and Teacher. This year,
she was nominated for the
national award and the
supporting documentation was
reviewed by a national
committee.
Geske holds Bachelors degrees
in Music Education and
Elementary Education with a
minor in Piano Pedagogy from
Valley City State University in
Valley City, North Dakota. Prior
to earning those degrees and since
their completion, she has
vigorously pursued additional
professional development
Dafoe Memorial
Art Dafoe ’34, longtime professor and head of the Valley
City State University chemistry department, died August 12,
2003. Art was employed at VCSU from 1959-1981. He was
a teacher all of his life, from one-room rural schools to college
except for an 11-year period when he was an auditor for GTA.
Not only was Art active in his community and church, he
also served as president and treasurer of the VCSU Alumni
Association and also as treasurer of V-500.
Art is survived by his wife, Nora ’39; three daughters, Avis
(Tom) Klinkhammer; Peggy ’59 (Dale ’61) Koppelman; Carroll
’66 (Ken ’66) Berntson; one son, Dennis ’63 (Darlene). He is
also survived by twelve grandchildren and thirteen
great-grandchildren.
Geske named National Music Teacher of the Year
through attendance at workshops,
conventions, and concerts, as well
as through private study.
She has 39 years of teaching
experience in the private studio
and as a public school teacher. Her
students have frequently
performed in NDMTA/MTNA
Advancing and Non-Advancing
Performance Competitions and
Composition contests, NDMTA
Rallies, NFMC Junior Festivals,
and for the National Guild. They
have been consistently wellprepared
and in the last thirty
years, over 100 awards on the
state, regional, and national levels
have been garnered by her
students. Many of her high school
piano students present solo recitals
prior to graduation and talented
youth are showcased annually
through her “Young Peoples’
Concerts.” Many students have
continued their music study on
the collegiate level and are active
in their own communities as music
teachers, church organists, and
accompanists. Geske has privately
conducted her own “Audience-
Building Campaign,” as over the
years she has treated hundreds of
students to “field trips” to area
recitals and symphony concerts.
She has been an active member
of NDMTA/MTNA since 1978
and has twice served as President
of the Valley City Music Teachers
Association. Geske has been an
NDMTA certified teacher for 9
years. She regularly attends state
conventions and divisional
competitions. Geske has also
Doris Eileen Geske
contributed through her 26
years of service to the Nationally
Federated Music Clubs
(NFMC) in which she is a
certified adjudicator. She has
been a member of Music
Educators National Conference
and the National Guild of
Teachers of Music.
Geske has performed as a
pianist in numerous recitals,
master classes, and other forums.
She has served her communities
for over 37 years as a church
organist and through frequent
performances of special music.
Geske was nominated initially
for the state honor by her local
association, the Valley City
Music Teachers Association. The
national award will be presented
March 31, 2004, in Kansas
City, Missouri at the
MTNA Conference.
Page 11, The Bulletin
The Smithsonian is
coming to Valley City!
The Barnes County
Historical Society has asked for
our help in gathering
information for a unique
exhibit coming to Valley City
February 22 through April 3,
2004. During that time, the
Barnes County Historical
Museum will be the proud
host of the Smithsonian
Institution’s Museum on
Main Street program exhibit
entitled “Produce for Victory”.
Valley City will be one of six
localities in the state selected
for this honor!
“Produce for Victory” is
primarily an exhibit of posters
dedicated to the Home Front
experience of WWII. To make
this exhibit a success, the
Barnes County Historical
Museum must provide local
history and begin now to
chronicle the experiences of
Barnes County Citizens
during that time period. They
are looking for Rosie the
Riveters, plane spotters, airraid
wardens, veterans of the
war production industry.
They need stories from anyone
who remembers the rationing
of gas, tires, nylons and sugar.
Did you plant victory gardens;
gather milkweed pods for life
vests, or donate to the scrap
drives? Were you a war bride?
Did you work on a farm
during the war? Do you have
letters written during this
time? They need all kinds of
experiences and information,
and ask that you share your
experiences and memories.
If you can provide any
information, please contact
Wes Anderson, Director of the
Barnes County Historical
Museum at 315 North
Central Avenue, Valley City,
ND 58072. E-mail:
wes_anderson75@hotmail.com
Phone: 845-0966.
The Barnes County
Historical Museum does a great
job and we are so proud of
their accomplishments. I’d
encourage you to help Wes
and his crew with this project.
It will be great!
Sincerely,
Val Moritz
Director of Alumni Relations

Page 12, The Bulletin
Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003
2003 King & Queen
Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003
This year’s Homecoming King and Queen
are Todd MacIver and Mel Knodel.
The former queens and kings rode on
the viking ship float in the 2003 VCSU
Homecoming parade.
Friends &
Football
VCSU Homecoming Royalty
Former royalty recognized at Homecoming included the following VCSU Homecoming
Queens: Kathy (Mans) Nielsen, Sara (Goffe) Schafer, Wendy (Reidman) Hogue, Laura
(Griffin) Becker, Louie (Mattern) Paulson, Ruth (Langemo) Steen, Leone (Langemo)
Osmon, Margie (Kunz) Meyers, Darlene (Rasmussen) Granlund, Diane (Yanish) Trapp
and Karen (Hansen) DeBoer.
Former VCSU Homecoming Kings returning to celebrate Homecoming included: Travis
Engen, Matthew Johnson, Curt Olson, Kendall Railing, Anthony Fast, Bill Wieland,
Richard Twete, John Holden, Larry Grooters and Roger Ludwig.
Football teammates reunited at Homecoming included: Ted Knutson, Scott Radloff,
Mike Callahan, Jeff Hooey, Pete Hughes, Billy Willson, Jim Thies, Jon Bolstad, Todd
Christianson, Jed Klein and former football coach Jim Dew.
Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003

Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003
Certificate of Merit
Jon Bertsch
Ken Hoerth
John Olstad
Randy Toppen
Ken Welken
Certificate of Merit
recipients honored
at the Homecoming
Alumni Honors
Breakfast are
congratulated
by President
Ellen E. Chaffee.
Carole Flatau
Rodney Oksendal
Sara (Goffe) Schafer
Jan (Gessner) Welken
Bill Wieland
Fun & Friends
Mel Hill ’34 and
Hilbert “Si” Seiwert ’42
Class of 1943 class members
Hildegarde (Eberle) Anderson
and Isabel (Muir) McLaren.
Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003
Page 13, The Bulletin
Class of 1953 members Gertrude
(Amann) Solum and Donna
(Lunde) Niemann.
VCSU Alumni Board President
David Hanson ’83 and board
member Rae Ann (Rolshoven)
Vandrovec ’75 serve rootbeer at
the tailgating picnic.
P.J. Cunningham ’82 of Miami,
FL, visits with VCSU Alumni
board member Jim Ukestad ’78
before the football game.
Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003 Homecoming 2003

Page 14, The Bulletin
Valley City State wins Mayors Cup
The presidents of
Mayville State University
and Valley City State
University have agreed to
compete for the Mayors
Cup in football and the
Presidents Cup in
basketball. The awarding
of the Mayors Cup began
when the Comets hosted
the Vikings in MSU’s
homecoming game. The
Presidents Cup will be
awarded in Mayville after
Valley City’s mayor, Riley Rogers, and
Mayville’s mayor, Jim LeClair, following the
Viking’s football victory over the Comets.
the basketball games on February 19.
The Mayors Cup will be awarded annually to the mayor whose team
wins each year’s football game. The mayors of Mayville and Portland
will alternate with each other every year on behalf of Mayville State. The
mayor of Valley City will represent Valley City State. This year, Mayville’s
mayor Jim LeClair, a former Comet head football coach, and Riley Rogers,
mayor of Valley City, were on hand for the post-game ceremony. The
picture on the right shows Mayor Rogers with the “Mayors Cup” after
VCSU defeated the Comets.
The Presidents Cup is won by the college that wins the majority of
the basketball games played between the colleges each year during the
regular season. Each season, the men’s and women’s basketball teams
play each other twice, once at home and once on the road. Whichever
school wins at least three of the four games will win the Presidents Cup.
Should the schools split the four games and a tiebreaker be needed, the
Presidents Cup shall be awarded to the college in possession of the
Mayors Cup (i.e. the school that won the football game).
Benefit held for Matt Klein
A benefit for Matt Klein ’97 was held Saturday, November 1 st , at the
Fargo Holiday Inn. Matt suffered a massive stroke in April 2003 that
caused severe paralysis. Matt has made progress, but is still in need of
extensive therapy.
Contributions may be made payable to “Matt Klein Benefit Fund”
and sent to State Bank & Trust, Attn: Toni Huck, PO Box 10877,
Fargo, ND 58106-0877.
Brotherly Love
Brian Buck quarterbacks Goodhue,
and Chris Buck is the coach at Randolph
By Paul Christian, Rochester Post-Bulletin
Here’s a nice dilemma. If you
have a son playing quarterback
on one team, and that team will
play against a school coached by
your other son, then whom do
you root for?
Good question.
And there is no easy answer.
“All I know,” Dave Buck said,
“is that I’ll have a football game
to attend.”
That would be for the Section
Four, Class A championship.
Top-seeded Goodhue played
host to Randolph on October
24 for one of the berths in
that game.
And it just so happens that
Brian Buck quarterbacks the
high-flying Wildcats while
Chris Buck (2001 VCSU
graduate) is the second-year
head coach at Randolph.
They are brothers. Dave and
Ann Buck are the parents.
“Where will I sit?” I imagine
the Goodhue side because that’s
where we always sit,” Ann said.
“But it’s going to seem weird.
But if you look at it, we can’t
Nominate Outstanding Alumni
lose. One way or another, I’m
going to be a happy mother.”
One the other hand,
somebody has to lose, too.
Chris graduated from
Goodhue seven years ago. He
played football at Rochester
Community and Technical
College for two years, then
played both football and
baseball at Valley City State
University for two years before
landing a teaching job at
Randolph.
He was named head football
coach last year.
“What’s really going to be
strange is standing on the other
sideline, across from the
Goodhue side,” Chris said. “I’ve
played and sat on the Goodhue
side of the field a number of
times, and now for the first time
I’ll be on the other side.”
“It should be a lot of fun,”
said Brian. “I don’t think we’ll
talk before the game, but once
it’s over, I’m sure we’ll meet and
give each other a hug.”
Valley City State University is proud of its alumni and the tremendous impact they have, and are continuing to make across the nation. If you know of a
VCSU alumni who should be recognized for their achievements, please take the time to nominate that person for one of the Alumni Association’s awards.
All nominations will be forwarded to the appropriate screening committees and will receive full consideration.
Certificate of Merit: This award provides the Alumni Association with a way to recognize alumni for accomplishments, service, or other noteworthy honors.
Alumni Service Award: This award is presented to alumni and university friends who have attained exceptional achievement in their careers and have
made a significant contribution to the university through dedicated service, promotion, financial support or other efforts.
Distinguished Alumni: The Distinguished Alumni Award is the highest honor presented by the Alumni Association. The recipient’s professional contributions,
honors and awards, and leadership are considered.
Nominations to: Val Moritz, VCSU Foundation, 1-800-532-8641 Ext. 37403
E-Mail: val.moritz@vcsu.edu

Students honor soldiers, including teacher
By Nancy Hull, Salina Journal
Selecia Herrman draws a pretty
good Blackhawk helicopter for a
7-year old.
With crayons, she even draws a
red, white and blue flag on its tail.
Like the rest of the students who
were in Susan (Miller) Jordan’s first
and second grade combination
class at Meadowlark Ridge
Elementary School this past school
year. Selecia’s plenty familiar with
the helicopters. Classmate Katie
Garr’s father, Jason, is a Blackhawk
pilot in the Salina-based National
Guard unit that’s been in Bosnia
since January.
And there was a poster of a
flying Blackhawk on the side of
Susan Jordan’s desk—she, too, is a
Blackhawk pilot for the Guard.
Those ties influenced Selecia’s idea
for her page of the book her class
created, “Somewhere Today....”
Selecia’s page says “Somewhere today
an American soldier is flying a
Blackhawk in the dark,” and in her
picture, the helicopter is flying
among stars while a gigantic, halfmoon
watches.
As a way to mesh all the writing
skills the students were learning
this spring, Jordan had the class
write and edit a book dealing with
the war in Iraq.
During a book-signing party last
June, Susan read the published
book to her former students and
some of their parents. She also had
some news for them: She was
leaving for Afghanistan.
Gathered in a circle, Susan
showed the children Afghanistan
on a world globe, told them they
can e-mail her while she’s gone,
and then, she’ll return.
A bold and energentic Susan
Jordan presented the book, and
some of the words provoked
emotion on parents’ faces.
“Somewhere today an American
soldier is writing a letter to his
family.”
“Somewhere today an American
soldier is bringing water to thirsty
people.”
“Somewhere today an American
soldier is missing.”
“Somewhere today an American
soldier is holding a child’s hand.”
Katie Garr, the former secondgrader
whose dad is in Bosnia
wrote, “Somewhere today an
American soldier is thinking about
his daughter.”
She drew a broad-shouldered
man in camouflage standing next
to an American flag, and pictured
in a thought bubble is a girl. That
girl, Katie said, is her, and the blueeyed
soldier is her dad.
“Just hearing Miss Jordan read
it brought tears to my eyes,” said
Kathie Garr, Katie’s mother.
Around the children and
parents, Susan kept her
composure.
Leaving, she said, is not
something she dwells on. She
simply views it as a duty, and
when she’s called upon, she’ll do
her best and then return to
the community.
“If you dwell on it too much,
it’ll drive you crazy,” Susan said.
“The best thing you can do is train
and be ready.”
Susan has spent 25 years in the
Guard and began flying 18 years
ago. Her unit is based in Edmond,
Oklahoma. She and her husband,
Jeffry, moved to Salina in August
when Jeffry, who’s in the Air
National Guard, took the
commander job at the Smokey
Hill Weapons Range.
Susan is a chief warrant officer
The Bush Foundation awards VCSU with another grant
By Dr. Terry Corwin, Director of Assessment & Professional Development
In July, the Bush Foundation
awarded a faculty development
renewal grant to VCSU. The
award is for $50,000 each year
for three years. Mini-grants for
individuals and divisions/
departments will be available
over the next three years.
Assessment of student learning,
specifically for divisions/
departments, is a priority in this
proposal. The grant also funds
the Summer Institute. The first
call for mini-grants will be in
October. Goals of proposal based on
findings and recommendations
from the Bush Planning Grant
Committee, the outcomes of the
2000 and 2001 - 2003 Bush
proposals, and the new campus
strategic plan; the goals of the 2003
- 2006 proposal are:
1. To implement the assessment
plan formulated in 2001 and
approved by NCA. Developing
valid and reliable evidence
concerning the impact of our
learning environments on student
outcomes is essential.
2. To support faculty in the
implementation of new teaching
and learning strategies.
3. To provide ongoing
opportunities for faculty to further
pursue their online and distance
learning innovations. Continued
exposure to online software and
pedagogy are important in the
university’s approach to learning.
Page 15, The Bulletin
and master Army aviator. She flies
medivac missions which bring aid
to civilians.
“I truly love helping people,”
Susan said.
Helping people is what ties
teaching and her service duty
together.
“I love teaching,” she said,
turning up one hand. “I love
flying,” she said as she looked to
the other hand.
“I get the best of both worlds.”
In the classroom, Susan said she
approached war from a motherly
perspective. When students had
questions, she said she tried to
answer them the way parents
would want. She and her husband
have an 8-year old daughter,
Samantha.
Susan said she’s been preparing
at home for her departure by
making sure her husband knows
all those mom things, like how to
braid hair.
Susan is the daughter of Lloyd
and Kathy Miller of Valley City.
4. To disseminate our
research and assessment
findings at regional and
national conferences and
workshops.
For more information and
specific grant objectives
contact Linda Whitney or
your divisional representative
to the Faculty Development
committee.

Page 16, The Bulletin
VCSU
SCHOLARSHIP
AUCTION
Friday, April 23, 2004
Valley City Eagles
Contributions
for the auction
may be directed to:
Val Moritz at
1-800-532-8641
ext. 37403
Reunited
Vince Olson ’57 and
Bill Nagle met in Korea
and became good
friends. When Vince left
Korea in July of 1952,
they promised to stay in
touch. And they tried,
but didn’t succeed until 50 years later.
Vince was honored by the VCSU Alumni Association in the fall of
2000 and his photo appeared in the December edition of The Bulletin.
Bill’s friend, Bob Taylor, saw the photo and forwarded the paper to Bill.
Bill and Vince finally connected by phone.
Vince and Bill met in Tacoma, Washington, at the reunion of the
32 nd Infantry Division, U.S. Army.
Ployhar
Honor Band
Festival held
in Valley City
The “first annual” honor band festival was held October
17-18. The initial festival was dedicated to (and named after)
VCSU alum, James D. Ployhar ’49.
During the honor band concert, James was honored with the
“Golden Baton Award” from Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band
honor society which serves college or university band programs
through service projects, fundraisers, social events, etc.
Wildlife Biology Position Open
The VCSU Science Department invites applications from qualified individuals
for a full time Biology faculty position available August 2004. The purpose of
this position is to help establish and strengthen a fisheries and wildlife
program. The candidate will be expected to teach an introductory nonmajors
biology course, wildlife/fisheries management courses, and a class in
their field of expertise. Additional consideration will be given to candidates
with expertise in any area of vertebrate zoology. Masters required and
Doctorate preferred. This position will be a five year contract with possible
conversion to tenure track. Implementation of this position is dependent on
external funding. If you have interest in this position or would like more
information, please contact Alice Beauchman at 701-845-7452 or email her
at alice.beauchman@vcsu.edu.

VCSU Music Reunion
Master of Ceremonies for the
banquet was Larry Nelson ’71.
Enjoying the reunion were Susan (Piper) ’70
and Gene Boyle ’69 and Jim Berntson ’70.
Special guests at the music alumni reunion
were former VCSU instructors Loren Waa
and Ray Miller pictured here with VCSU
President Ellen Chaffee (Center).
Alumni who performed during the banquet were: Tim Fogderud ’69, Linda
(Rome) Loe ’69, Carol (Potter) Winter ’68, Barbara (Nilsen) Roberts ’70,
Diane Townsend ’71, Harold Foley ’66, and Yvonne (Enervold) Emery ’69.
Linda (Rome) ’69 and Robert Loe ’69, Anna (Peter) Langness ’66,
Blair ’67 and Yvonne (Enervold) ’69 Emery.
VCSU Alumni Reunion
Decade of the 1960’s
June 18 & 19, 2004 ~ Valley City State University
Join your classmates for a reunion at Valley City State University.
Plans are still being made so watch your mail for specific details.
Friday, June 18
Lunch with VCSU Board of Directors and VCSU Retired Faculty and Staff
Campus and community tours
Picnic
Evening activity
Saturday, June 19
Valley City “Rally in the Valley” Parade (VCSU 1960’s members will have a float!)
Car Show
Lunch with Dr. Chaffee
Flea Market
Street Dance
Page 17, The Bulletin
Alumni responsible for the organization
of the music reunion were: Diane
Townsend ’71, Carol (Potter) Winter
’68, Lavonne (Carlson) Rustad ’72,
and Harold Foley ’66.
Leon ’70 and Lujane (Morlock)
Opdahl ’71
DO WE
HAVE YOUR
E-MAIL
ADDRESS?
Valley City State
is increasingly using
e-mail to communicate
with our alumni
and friends.
Don’t be left out!
Send your e-mail
address to:
val.moritz@vcsu.edu
Help us stay
connected to you!

Page 18, The Bulletin
Viking Highlights
2003-04 Women’s Basketball Outlook
The Valley City State University
women’s basketball team experienced a
little bit everything last season.
There were injuries and illnesses that
rearranged the ending of a standout career,
sidelined veterans for a stretch of time
and also caused freshmen to miss several
Coach DeVries contests.
With those experiences safely in the
past, head coach Jill DeVries is looking forward to the start of
the Vikings 2003-04 campaign.
VCSU returns six lettermen, including two starters, and will
rely heavily on the play of a batch of promising imports to
improve upon last seasons 7-19 record.
All DAC-10 guard Jessica James, 5-7 senior (Alexander, ND),
headlines a cast of returnees that gained important seasoning in
2002-03. James is anxious to return to the backcourt and lead
the Vikings in their up-tempo style of play. Fellow senior, 6-0
forward Kristel Engelby (Hoffman, MN) gives VCSU much
needed experience on the inside.
In addition, DeVries returns four other letterwinners,
including 5-7 sophomore guard Janae Larson (Valley City), 5-
10 sophomore forward Darcie Engelby (Hoffman, MN), 5-9
sophomore forward Danni Matthews (Fergus Falls, MN), and
5-10 sophomore Jody Langerud (Ulen, MN).
Larson and Engelby (Darcie) filled vital roles last season and
will be expected to contribute even more this season. Larson
averaged 7.7 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 22 minutes per game and had
a coming-out party with 21 points against Huron. Engelby
averaged 5.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg inside for VCSU.
While there are great expectations for the incumbents this
winter, DeVries also has high expectations for 5-11 junior guard
Lacey Turcotte (Trenton, ND), a transfer from Williston State
College, 6-0 red-shirt freshman Beth Orthman (Lemmon, SD),
and 6-2 freshman center Loni Hall (Parshall, ND).
“We hope to be able to blend returning players with new
players to find success,” said DeVries. “We’ve added talent and
depth to our team and I believe that we will be able to score
better than we have in the past. We want to play an up-tempo
style and out rebound teams. Hopefully we’ll be able to stay
injury free and use our depth to our advantage all season.”
That depth can be seen on the perimeter for VCSU in 5-11
junior forward Nicolle James, a transfer from Williston State
College. James averaged 9.3 ppg and 7.9 rpg for the Tetons in
2002-03. Freshmen are also expected to make their presence
felt in 2003-04. Five-nine forward Ashley Pfaff (Ipswich, SD),
5-7 guard Molly Schultz (Casselton, ND), 5-9 guard Katie
Floyd (Kenai, AK), 5-7 guard Jackie O’Neill (Maplewood,
MN), 5-6 guard Cassie Francis (Cooperstown, ND) and 6-0
forward Shannon Mundfrom (Greeley, CO) will all battle for
playing time throughout the season.
The Vikings will be put to the test early as they face a
demanding 18-game DAC-10 schedule and perhaps an even
tougher non-conference schedule including the University of
Sioux Falls and Dakota Wesleyan, NAIA Final Four teams from
a year ago, and showdowns with MSU-Moorhead and North
Dakota State as well.
“This is an exciting time for VCSU women’s basketball. We
believe that we have the talent to get us back to the glory days
of the program. It is going to take a lot of hard work and some
time to figure out what we do well, but I believe that this group
of young ladies can help rebuild that tradition of excellence
that Viking fans are accustomed to,” said DeVries.
Athletic schedules
available at
www.vcsu.edu

Viking Highlights
2003-04 Men’s Basketball Season Preview
The third edition of the Adam DeHaan
basketball era begins at Valley City State
University. After logging the Vikings first
13 win season since 1988-89, DeHaan is
confident that measurable success is
around the corner. “Expectations have
been raised for our program. If we
continue to build team confidence, work
hard and make plays, we will reach our
Coach DeHaan goals.” DeHaan will craft this team with
solid returnees, impact transfers, and
talented youngsters. Among the letter winners, 6-3 senior point
guard Mario Lewis (Jackson, MS) expects to emerge as a premier
DAC-10 player. After a consistent season last year which saw
him average 8.3 points and 5 rebounds per contest, Lewis is
poised to increase his scoring while establishing relentless ball
pressure defensively. “Mario has worked hard to develop his
jump shot. His confidence in our system is evident and we look
forward to Mario leading the team,” DeHaan said. 6-5
sophomore Brandon Bata (Kensal) was pressed into heavy play
as a freshman after injuries decimated the post rotation. He
responded by finishing second in the DAC-10 in field goal
percentage (58%) and leading the team in rebounding (5.2reb/
game). “Bata is already battle tested,” DeHaan stated. “He will
only improve as his career progresses.” Garth McFadden, 6-2
senior, stands poised to replace all-conference guard Austin
McCullough (116 3pt FG’s) at the 2-guard position. McFadden
(Buffalo, MN) struggled through nagging injuries last year,
but played well late. McFadden converted 40% of his 3-point
opportunities and averaged 6.1ppg. “When Garth feeds off of
his team mates and lets the game come to him, he is one of the
most precise shooters in the conference,” DeHaan stated. Two
other Viking returnees saw extensive action last year. 6-2 senior
Jon Hippe (Froid, MT) is expected to stretch defenses with his
shooting ability. The system employed by the Vikings places a
premium on the long ball which utilizes his strength. Gulfport,
Mississippi bruiser Marcus Oatis brings a physical presence to
the post rotation. The 6-5, 260 pound senior relishes the
opportunity to defend and rebound. Red shirts Kevin Faulkner
and Steve Trudeau had a year to adjust to DAC-10 play and are
looking forward to competing for roles this season. A 5-10
transfer from Bismarck State College, Faulkner (Detroit, MI)
will compete at the point guard position. Trudeau (Mayville)
used his red shirt year well, becoming stronger and working on
his jump shot. The 6-6 forward will play both the small and
power forward positions this season. The Vikings expect two
transfers to assert themselves immediately. 2000 North Dakota
Mr. Basketball, Tyrone Terry (Valley City), will play his final
two years of eligibility in a Viking uniform. The 6-4 wing
transfers from North Dakota State University. DeHaan
expressed enthusiasm about the transfer, “Ty is a dynamic
personality. That personality carries onto the floor where we
will depend on him to be a defensive stopper and basket maker.”
Garrison native Matt Klabo, brings a scoring presence to the
Page 19, The Bulletin
power forward position. The 6-7 MSU-Bottineau transfer
averaged 21.7 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Lumberjacks
last season. “Klabo has shown a single minded focus – winning.
It is fun to coach guys with that edge.” A weakness of Valley
City State University has been size. This is no longer the case
with the arrival of two solid post players. Nick Lee (Glenburn)
held down the center position at MSU-Bottineau the past two
years. This past year the 6-7 Lee averaged 12.7 points and 7.8
rebounds a game while shooting 52% from the field. Levi
Mitchell took the past year off from college basketball after
playing at Dawson Community College in Glendive, Montana.
The 6-8, 270 pound post from Glendive has shown promise
in fall workouts and will figure into the mix. A trio of youngsters
arrives on the VCSU campus hungry for playing time. Dickinson
Trinity standout Brady Ernst was a two-time Class B All-State
player. The 6-1 guard averaged 16.7 points per game for the
Class B runner-up Titans. DeHaan commented on Ernst’s
strengths, “Brady has deceiving athleticism and an uncanny
ability to make his team mates better.” 6-7 Cando native, Jon
Lindahl, was also a North Dakota Class B All-State selection.
Lindahl converted 76 3-point field goals as a senior on his way
to scoring 1237 career points. “His skill and feel for the game
will enable him to compete for minutes as a true freshman,”
DeHaan continued. Jackson Sussex (Milbank SD) rounds out
the freshman class. The 6-0 point guard averaged 14 points, 6
rebounds, and 3 assists per contest while leading the Bulldogs
to a consolation championship in the South Dakota Class A
Tournament. Valley City State University made a splash on the
NAIA scene last year by finishing sixth in 3-point field goal
percentage (40.4%). This feat is especially interesting when
you take into account that VCSU set a DAC-10 record for 3point
field goals made (284). The Vikings finished 5th in the
DAC-10 last season and are hungry to take the next step. “We
have made great strides the past two seasons, but let’s be honest
— we let a home playoff game slip through our fingers by not
sweeping our last three games at home,” DeHaan surmised.
“That motivation has propelled us through the summer and
into fall workouts. The new players are hungry and have infused
their energy into the program. We are looking forward to the
challenges of our opponents.” And challenges are what their
opponents have planned. Early season opponents include
NCAA II Minnesota State University Moorhead. The Dragons
are coming off an 18 win season a year ago. The Vikings will
travel to Sioux Center, Iowa, to take on perennial GPAC powers,
University of Sioux Falls and host Dordt College. DeHaan
expects the DAC-10 to be perhaps the strongest conference in
NAIA II. Jamestown returns all five starters from their Elite 8
team of last year. Black Hills and Minot have added incredible
talent and could both be ranked in the NAIA II preseason poll.
“New talent has been infused throughout the league. The teams
that can keep it together and play consistent ball every weekend
have a great chance to play deep into March.”

Page 20, The Bulletin
VCSU Stories
Success
Rod Oksendahl ’73 was named 2003 Male Team Coach of the Year by
the North Dakota Associated Press Sportscasters and Sportswriters
Association.
Bob Bowen ’70, Quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
2764 of Valley City, was honored with an All State Post Commander
award for 2002-03.
Gary Tharaldson ’67 was inducted into the Norsk Hostfest
Scandinavian – American Hall of Fame at the annual SAHF banquet
held during the 2003 Norsk Hostfest.
Bev (Rambough) Enger ’74 received the Outstanding Adult Educator
of the Year Award at the North Dakota Adult Basic and Secondary
Education Conference.
Olson receives Ph.D.
Dawn Olson (Shafer) received her Ph.D. in Education with a Major
in Higher Education from the University of North Dakota August 8,
2003. Dr. Olson is an Assistant Professor at Valley City State University
in the Division of Business and Information Technology. Rory Froehlich promoted to colonel
NSF awards Department of Math
and Computer Science with grant
The National Science Foundation has announced that Curt Hill of
the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at Valley City
State University has been awarded an Information Technology Research
grant funded for $266,403 over three years starting on September 15,
2003. The grant is entitled: Accelerating Computer Science Education
will be used to enhance Computer Science Education at VCSU as well
as United Tribes Technical College, Bismarck. The focus of the grant is
on the continued development and deployment of ProgrammingLand
MOO, which is an online computerized, instructional system developed
by Curt Hill and currently used at VCSU.
Alexander continues research
Bonnie Alexander, Associate Professor of Biology spent her fourth
summer researching the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid (federally listed
as “threatened”) in the Sheyenne National Grassland east of Lisbon,
ND. She is working under a Federal Forest Service research grant. Assisted
by student Warren Micheal, they collected data on several hundred
orchids. This research project will continue through the fall and resume
again next summer.
Bonnie also traveled in June to the Flint Hills of Kansas. This area is the
largest tract of native tall grass prairie still in existence in the United States.
She collected several hundred native prairie plants to add to the ever
expanding VCSU botanical herbarium. She also collected plants in the
Osage Hills of Oklahoma. Aside from collecting plants, another goal of her
travels was to observe a live possum in a pouch, but alas, the possums she
saw all ran too fast and eluded capture (they are nocturnal and she was
chasing them in the dark). Incidentally, the possum is the only marsupial in
the United States and has now been found in North Dakota.
Time Out
Solheim induction was a treat
By Luther Dorr, Princeton Union-Eagle
Players from at least five decades, and many friends and some former
opponents, were in attendance as Howard “Swede” Solheim was inducted
into the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame. Solheim
was the Princeton Legion baseball coach from 1956-1979 where he
compiled a 355-169 record. John Gloege, the coach who followed
Solheim, was the master of ceremonies for the evening. He read the
letter of nomination for Solheim which told of his accomplishments.
But nothing Gloege said, or anything the presenters said, could match
what former players and one former opposing coach had to say afterward.
“Thanks for the memories, the support and the direction you provided
a lanky left-hander as he was growing up. You’ll never fully understand
how much it meant to me,” said a former player.
Another former player talked about the different reasons why kids
begin, or keep on, playing sports, some of them good, some of them
quirky. But, he said, Solheim coached for the right reason – “because he
loved the game.”
Lt. Col. Rory T. Froehlich ’83 was
promoted Colonel at a promotion
ceremony on June 23, 2003. The
ceremony was held at the Army
National Guard Readiness Center
in Arlington, VA.
Col. Rory Froehlich, son of Leo
W. Froehlich and Jacqueline
Froehlich, began his military
career in 1975 as an enlisted
soldier with the North Dakota
Army National Guard. He was
commissioned a 2 nd lieutenant
upon graduation from Officer
Candidate School in 1978. As a
traditional guardsman he has
served as a platoon leader,
executive officer, company
commander, and battalion S4. In
1989 Capt. Froehlich went on
active duty as an assistant professor
of Military Science at the
University of North Dakota. In
1991 he reported for duty with
the ARNG Comptroller, was
promoted to major and served in
the Budget Formulation Branch,
Execution and Analysis Branch
and as the Counterdrug analyst
for the Comptroller Division.
Major Froehlich was then
transferred to the Pentagon and
served four years as the Army
National Guard Liaison to the
assistant secretary of the Army for
Financial Management in the
Army Budget Office. He returned
to the Army National Guard
Readiness Center, was promoted
to lieutenant colonel and served
as the senior budget officer in
Budget Formulation and as Chief,
Budget Formulation prior to
appointment as Chief, Resource
Management. Col. Froehlich has
been appointed as the Division
Chief of Personnel Programs,
Manpower, and Resource
Division, NGB-ARM, effective
July 1, 2003.
His military awards include the
Meritorious Service Medal with
two oak leaf clusters, Army
Commendation Medal with three
oak leaf clusters, Army
Achievement Medal, National
Defense Service Medal with star
and Headquarter Department of
Army Staff Badge.
Col. Froehlich graduated from
VCSU with a bachelor of science
degree with majors in business
administration. He holds a master
of business administration from
Troy State University.
Col. Froehlich is married to Lisa
Graves Froehlich of Jamestown.
They have two children, Ashley
and Justin.

Student Success After Graduation
by Dr. Joseph Stickler (Taken from excerpts of the chemistry program review)
The anecdotal descriptions
which follow will provide a picture
of the success of Valley City State
University chemistry graduates.
Not only are VCSU Chemistry
majors viably employed across the
nation, many choose to remain in
North Dakota to fill critically
needed positions.
Additionally, the number of
VCSU chemistry majors
completing professional programs
in allied health fields and
advanced degrees in chemistry has
been impressive. Student success
rates after graduation offer the
most convincing argument for the
quality of the program and its
continued support. Not only do
these success stories contribute to
the image of quality education at
VCSU, many of these graduates
will become affluent enough to
make considerable contributions
to their alma mater in the future.
Both Robert Gilbertson (93)
and Brooks Hornstein (N/A
means that the student attended
VCSU for several years, but did
not graduate) have completed
Ph.D.’s in Chemistry (at the
University of Oregon and New
Mexico State University,
respectively) and are now working
at Los Alamos National Laboratory
in New Mexico. Kevin Peterson
(89), after teaching for three years
at Sheyenne, ND, returned to
school and completed a Ph.D. in
biochemistry at North Dakota
State University.
Jim Pechacek (86) completed a
Masters degree in chemistry at the
University of Nebraska and is
employed by Dow Chemical
Company. Jill McCleary-Bayley
(87) earned a Masters in cereal
chemistry at NDSU and is a
research assistant at Ore-Ida Foods
in Payette, ID. Travis Martin (99)
completed a Masters degree in
Chemistry at North Dakota State
University and is currently
employed as a scientist at Dakota
Technologies, Inc. in Fargo.
The following chemistry majors
are either currently in Optometry
School or are practicing
optometrists: Linda Tran (99),
John Horner (82), Tami
Anderson (00), Tim Pinke (N/A),
Mark Hoss (N/A), Jeremy
Anderson (95), Cheryl Mitzel
Fenno (82), Amy Mitzel DuBois
(N/A), and Ashlee Arlien (02).
Recently, Amy Mitzel Dubois was
the named the North Dakota
Young Optometrist of the Year.
Angela Dolleschlager (99) and
Laura Wagner (N/A) are
practicing pharmacists. Jason
Drake (96) is a chiropractic doctor
in Fargo, and Eric Vangerud (86)
is a respiratory therapist at Arnold
Palmer Hospital in Orlando,
Florida. Bryan Gerhardt (96) is a
2003 Osmon Fun Run
The winners of the 21st Annual Bill Osmon Fun
Run are Matt Swenson and Meagan Dufault.
Congratulations Megan and Matt!
business support scientist at
Kimberly-Clark in Appleton,
Wisconsin, and Wayne Triebold
(95) is Fuel Cell Business
Development Manager at Toray
Composites, Inc. in Tacoma,
Washington. Ignacio Areas (98)
is laboratory technician at Beta
Analytic, Inc. in Miami, Florida.
Durand Johnson (91) is the
Director of Educational Programs
and the Planetarium at the
Sciworks Museum in Winston-
Salem, North Carolina.
The following chemistry majors
are employed as chemists in private
or government businesses in the
State of North Dakota. Greg
Sandness (91) and Todd Ussatis
(96) are both employed as
chemists at the North Dakota
Department of Health in
Bismarck. Jim Severson (83) is the
chief chemist at National Sun
Industries in Enderlin, ND. Jeff
Dolliver (95) works at Progold in
Wahpeton, ND as a technician.
Bob Buskness (93) is the Chief
Health and Safety Officer at the
ND Pasta Growers Co. in
Carrington, ND. Greg McCarthy
(94) works as a research scientist
at the Great Plains Synfuel Plant
in Hazen, ND. Heath Weber (00)
is a quality control chemist at the
Spiritwood Malting Plant in
Spiritwood, ND.
The following chemistry
Page 21, The Bulletin
graduates are secondary science
teachers: Casey McCausland (98)
Cotter High School in Winona,
MN; Paul Zimmer (99) Port
Orchard, WA; Kristi Grooters
Stuber (00) Hawley, MN; Karla
Grooters Callies (86), Fargo South
H.S. ND; Darin Walters (02)
Grand Forks Central, ND; Kirk
Misialek (87) East Grand Forks
H.S. MN; Dale Miller (97) Red
River H.S., Grand Forks, ND;
Brenda Steffens (91); Jon Gums
(97), and Michael Mostad (95)
Breckenridge, MN.
In continuing communications
with these graduates, Dr. Stickler
hears nothing but praise for the
preparation they have received at
VCSU. A recent visit to the ND
State Health Department, Todd
Ussatis told Dr. Stickler that most
of his colleagues come from
Division I schools and his
background was easily as good or
better than most. Dr. Stickler
devotes the last five minutes of his
General Chemistry class every
Friday to highlight one of his
former students as the “Person of
the Week.” If you find some of
Professor Stickler information outof-date
or you were a chem major
that did not get included, please
correspond with him by phone,
letter or email. He would enjoy
hearing from you. You might even
be his next “Person of the Week.”
Track meet named in Jensen’s honor
The Wahpeton-Breckenridge Kiwanis Club renamed its annual high
school invitational track meet as the “Owen ‘OJ’ Jensen Track Meet.” OJ
(a 1965 VCSU grad) died last November after a brief illness. He served
as North Dakota State College of Science men’s track and field coach
from 1975-2002 and also taught in the Business Administration
program. OJ’s teams won six regional championships in track and five in
cross country. His student athletes placed 23 times in national
competitions and won 112 individual regional titles. He also coached
23 All-Americans. OJ was named National Junior College Athletic
Association Region XIII Coach of the Year four times. He was named
NDSCS Educator of the Year in 1997. OJ was also active nationally and
internationally in track and field, serving as: javelin official at the 1996
Centennial Olympics in Atlanta; assistant manager of the 1989 World
University Games in West Germany; and an official at numerous national
championships, Olympic trials and Pan American and Good will games.

Vikings Page 22, The Bulletin
1930’s
Ella Mae (Johnson) Neumiller
’39 says some of her best years were
spent at VCSU. She taught for
34 years until retiring in 1984.
After her retirement, Ella taught
in Singapore and had a great
experience traveling in Thailand,
Hong Kong, and Penang. Ella and
her husband, Al, have been
married for 61 years. They have
traveled extensively and now
spend their winters in Arizona
and the remainder of the year
in Washington.
on the Move
1940’s
Katherine (Freeman) Swalling
’42 attended VCSU from 1939-
1942 and spent three delightful
years in the old West Hall dorm.
She spent several years teaching
in Minnesota, Montana, Alaska,
Washington and Hawaii. She
married her husband, Ernest, and
has lived in Anchorage, AK,
since 1956. Katherine feels her
success as a teacher was due
to the education she received at
VCSU and is especially
grateful to her wonderful practice
teaching supervisor.
1960’s
Jeanette (Schaack) Holm ’60
retired after 40 years of teaching
– 36 at the ND Youth
Correctional Center. She
continues to be the “Hat Lady,” a
motivational-humorous speaker.
Jeanette and her husband, Logan,
enjoy traveling, especially to be
with their three grandchildren.
Dwight Leier ’68 is not
coaching football this fall for the
first time in 35 years. One of the
all-time winningest coaches in
North Dakota prep history retired
with 242 victories. His work with
a crop insurance company was too
demanding, he said. Dwight
retired from teaching in 2000. He
began coaching 9-man football at
nearby Esmond in 1968.
Esmond and Maddock formed a
cooperative in 1983 until 1992
when Esmond closed.
Terry Dunphy ’68 retired from
education in 2001 and enjoyed 1
½ years of golfing, hunting, and
traveling to sporting events. He
has now entered the world of
finance and is employed as a loan
officer for Midwest Financial
Mortgage. Wife, Jolene, is
employed by the Grand Forks
school district.
Jerry Gauderman ’69 was
employed by the Wimbledon-
Courtenay School system until
2002. He served as high school
math teacher for 7 years, 3 years as
high school principal and the last
23 years as superintendent. Jerry
retired in 2002 but is currently
serving as superintendent of
schools in Shell Lake, WI.
1970’s
Sgt. Edmund Gruchalla ’75
retired in July from the North
Dakota Highway Patrol. He retired
after 25 years of service.
1980’s
Todd Christiansen ’82 became
the manager of the Valley City
Town and Country Club in June.
He had worked at Stoudt-Ross
Ford for the past 17 years. Todd
and his wife, Tres (Pritchard)
have two daughters, Tonia, who
attends VCSU, Tiffany, 17, and a
son, Trevor.
Gail (Berge) Miller ’84 and her
family have been in Sauke Centre,
MN, for two years. Gail is part
owner of Mortgages on Main and
her husband, Jeff, is with Edward
Jones. Daughter, Kari, is a senior
in high school and is looking
at VCSU. Son, Joseph, is in the
tenth grade.
Jeff Ditch ’89 has been named
assistant baseball coach at West
Virginia University. Along with
being the team’s hitting coach, Jeff
is also in charge of the infielders.
Most recently, Jeff spent five
seasons as the pitching coach and
recruiting coordinator at the
University of Cincinnati. From
1994-98, Jeff served as recruiting
coordinators and hitting instructor
at Penn State. He also coached at
St. Cloud State.
Gary ’89 and Naomi (Wieland)
Schafer ’89 and their family have
relocated to the Seattle, WA, area
where they are enjoying their
new home.
1990’s
Kari (Miller) Mohs ’91 is
employed by Cenex Harvest States
in Kindred, ND, as a bookkeeper.
She and her husband, Mike, live
in Horace. Kari’s stepson, Toren, is
17 and a senior at West Fargo
High School. Son, Zachary, is 6
years old and just started first
grade; daughter, Brianna, is 15months
old. Life is pretty busy
with the kids and work. Her new
pasttime (when there is time) is
scrapbooking since she takes lots
of pictures.
Scott and Kathryn (Mrozla)
Webster ’91 are residing in Fargo,
ND. Kathryn is still working at
Trinity Preschool Daycare in
Moorhead, MN, as an Assistant
Toddler Teacher and absolutely
loves her job. Scott has started a
new job in Moorhead and is active
in the Music & Drama Ministry
at First Assembly of God church
and is ministering at the
Evergreens Assisted Living
complex in Fargo.
Steve Ondracek ’92 has recently
joined Security Insurance Agency
in Valley City as an insurance
agent. Steve and his wife, Karolee,
have two children.
Connie Ova ’92 was recently
named chief executive officer
of the Jamestown/Stutsman
Development Corporation. She
had been serving as the interim
CEO since August. Prior to that
time, Connie had been the
training and projects coordinator,
a position funded by the JSDC
and NDSCS.
James Boe ’92, lecturer in
technology education at VCSU,
was one of 20 individuals selected
nationally to create a strategic plan
for the technology education
teacher preparation profession.
This plan will be presented at the
2004 International Technology
Education Conference.
Troy and Janelle (Sorby)
Wittenburg ’94 have moved to
Wahpeton, ND, where both have
started new jobs. Troy does public
relations for the Wahpeton-
Breckenridge Chamber of
Commerce and Janelle worked for
the Wahpeton Police Department.
They have two girls: Hannah (7)
and Marah (5).
Heidi (Wolf) Reichart ’94 is
teaching 8th grade Modular
Technology and 9th grade
Multimedia Production and Tech
skills in Ankeny, IA. Heidi credits
her education and experience at
VCSU in getting this position.
Randy Russell ’95 has returned
to Deposit, NY, and is employed
as the Middle & High School
principal at his alma mater.
Darin ’95 and Tanya (Sortland)
Leick ’96 of St. Cloud, MN, are
the parents of a daughter, Maisie
Jean, born July 18, 2003. Maisie
joins a brother, Noah, at home.
Tricia Pethick ’96 is teaching
special education in Yellow Grass,
Saskatchewan, and is also
employed as an EMS. Tricia is
getting married on July 10, 2004.
Life couldn’t be better.
Denny Waloch ’97 is celebrating
his fifth year of employment with
Walgreen’s. On 10-18-03, Denny
married Jennifer Blattner of Cedar
Rapids, IA.
Bob Hanson ’98 has accepted a
position as information
technology/information systems
VOM, continued on page 23

In Remembrance
Ina (Sletten) Noecker, Valley City
Leona (Pewe) Breckheimer, McVille
Vera (Lentz) Fey, Fargo
Neva (Quick) Hanson, Cooperstown
Carol Jean (Larson) Carlisle, Fargo
Myrtle Olson, Fargo
Agnes Houdek, Lacey, WA
Harold Sisson, Everett, WA
Gerry Kringlie ’60, Randall, MN
Rita (McCabe) Rabak ’36, Lubbock, TX
Vernice Helberg ’49, Klamath Falls, OR
Ruth Jordan, Fargo
Ethel (Oppegard) Thyberg, Council Bluffs, IA
Ruth (Myer) Urness, Park River
Glenn Dorr ’68, Milnor
Regis (Mahan) Smith ’39, Tacoma, WA
Irene (Irving) Elhard, Ashley
Ruth (Hiller) Buchholtz ’37, Casselton
Kristy (Azure) Komrosky, Valley City
Henrietta (Klar) Riemann, Hankinson
Martha Dobrinz ’39, Bainbridge Island, WA
Arthur Schmidt, Aurora, CO
Alton Sanden ’38, Fargo
Ila (Fornshell) Schimke ’57, Hebron
Margaret (Spink) Steidl ’46, Tacoma, WA
Marjorie (Scribner) Hoefs ’29, Hankinson
Esther Myrdal ’48, Las Vegas, NV
Edna (Wahl) Pierce, Cannon Falls, MN
Roderick Gillund, Enderlin
Mary (Sammons) Wick, Pelican Rapids, MN
Patsy (Cowell) Kasner ’40, San Marcos, CA
Stephen Moberg, Port St. Lucie, FL
Lyda M. Holstad ’32, Escondido, CA
David Altringer, Denver CO
Hazel (Nicholson) Little, Park Rapids, MN
Leonard Martin, Frazee, MN
Jennifer (Erdelt) Schafer ’90, Beulah
Helen (Rustad) Grange, Fargo
Albert Possen, Sheyenne
Hilda (Shirley) Otto, Mandan
Irene (Lang) Krause ’44, Gackle
Theresa (Mucha) Encke, Jamestown
Jack Carlson ’72, Dickinson
Sylvia (Woldseth) Ness, Larimore
Ruth Zuern ’90, Hazen
Kenneth Mogck, Edgeley
Eleanor (Skonnord) Sanden ’58, Mesa
Julia (Thorson) Nustad, Detroit Lakes, MN
Nina (Swartaut) Van Winkle, Jamestown
Lynda (VanDyke) Rowell ’87, Fairbault, MN
Marie (Larvick) Rindahl, Fargo
Hulda Dramstad ’31, Cooperstown
Alma (Bjornhei) Gallagher, Carrington
Calista (DeVore) Keim ’46, Bismarck
Former VCSU Staff
Art Dafoe ’34, Fargo
Mary Hening, Fargo
Wayne Schoenig, Fort Collins, CO
Jim O’Connell ’48, Valley City
Weddings...
specialist at the Carrington Health
Center. He and his wife, Amy,
reside in Jamestown where she is
employed as a teacher at the Anne
Carlsen Center. Bob and Amy
have two children.
Jenny (Ryan) Wamsley ’99
teaches 7th and 8th grade health and
physical education in St. Paul,
MN, at Murray Junior High
School. She just received her
masters degree in 2003. Jenny and
her husband, Jonathan, welcomed
their first child, Jonathan Thomas,
on September 29, 2003.
2000’s
Marcus Hooks ’00 is currently
working for Enterprise-Rent-A-
Car as an Account Executive. His
daily activities include marketing
his territory to make sure
relationships with the Credit
Unions and ( AAA ) Automobile
clubs offices are strong.
Natalie (Birchem) Potratz ’02 is
an elementary teacher in Storm
Lake, IA. She is also the junior
varsity basketball coach and the
junior high volleyball coach.
Page 23, The Bulletin
Ryan Graalum ’90 married Lori Fitzjarrald ~ 5-3-03
Mark Berg ’93 married Bridget Kartes ~ 6-14-03
Kelli Moore ’03 married Jeremy Stizler ~ 7-5-03
Sheila Huebner ’01 married Justin Raml ~ 7-12-03
Jay Oettle ’96 married Amie Heim ~ 7-12-03
Jill Wieser ’02 married Scott Kuster ~ 7-12-03
Emelia Schroeder ’00 married Tyler Stover ~ 7-18-03
Beth Althoff ’03 married Ben Mauch ~
Emily Mrozla ’03 married Benjamin Richard ~ 7-19-03
Mandi Groth ’03 married Joshua Radcliffe ~ 7-19-03
Nylenne Myhre ’01 married Arlen Schiele ~ 7-19-03
Kristina Heinz ’01 married Chris Metcalfe ’01 ~ 7-19-03
Ryan Maddock ’96 married Sarah Huso ~ 8-9-03
Andy Sather ’03 married Kellie Johnsen ~ 8-23-03
Doreen Johnson ’93 married Steven Clark ~ 9-13-03
Travis Elsperger ’98 married Melissa Pershke ~ 9-13-03
Corey Cruchet ’98 married Kelly Hessinger ~ 9-13-03
Heather Orner ’03 married Brandon Solberg ~ 9-20-03
Rebecca Boyle ’96 married Robert Jones ~ 9-20-03
Barry Christianson married Jennifer Gail ~ 9-20-03
Jennifer Johansen ’03 married Joshua Frueh ~ 10-4-03
Clayton Erdmann ’03 married Mary Kuhn ~ 10-4-03
Teresa Luthi ’94 married Bert McDonough ~ 10-10-03
Amy McKenna ’01 married Matthew Ertelt ~ 10-10-03
Dennis Waloch ’97 married Jennifer Blattner ~ 10-18-03
VOM, continued from page
Tanya Hurlimann ’02 is
working at the New England
Aquarium in Boston, MA.
Currently she is working with the
65 penguins housed at the
aquarium. Tanya loves her job.
Amy Pomranke ’03 has
accepted a position as Grade 8
algebra teacher at Knoxville
Middle School in Knoxville, TN.
Matt Moen ’03 has accepted a
position as seventh grade history
teacher and coach at River/Backus
School in Pine River, MN.
KeriAnn Eggert ’03 has
accepted a position as kindergarten
teacher at Jefferson Elementary
School in Valley City.
Sean Kimball ’03 has accepted
a position as a fifth grade teacher
at Elvira Elementary School in
Tucson, AZ.
Jessica Schneider ’03 is teaching
fourth grade at St. John (ND)
Elementary School. She also
coaches volleyball and is assistant
track coach.

Still Special After All These Years by Ellen-Earle Chaffee, VCSU President
Sharon Buhr, Isabel (Muir)
McLaren ’43 and President
Ellen Chaffee.
I have met only one person
who did not know Isabel
McLaren. Now he knows her,
too. I’ve known her for 30 years,
myself. She was my daughter’s
kindergarten teacher in Fargo,
and she was perfect for it. She is
not a whole lot bigger than the
kids, just as energetic, even more
eager, and ever so much fun.
Two generations of children
seem to have charged her
batteries for the two decades
since she retired, and then some.
Those years and her inimitable
style endear her to hundreds of
kids and families throughout the
region and beyond. Isabel grew
Valley City State University Foundation
Alumni Association
101 College Street SW
Valley City, ND 58072-4098
Address Service Requested
up here, learned to teach at her
beloved VCSU, and returned here
often over the years. We were
especially pleased that she came back
for Homecoming, attending one
event after another with Sharon
Buhr or Carol Nelson as her escort.
She had decided, as usual, to enjoy
every minute. At one point, Isabel
rose to say a few words about what
VCSU and teaching had meant to
her. When she finished, the man
across the table sat staring,
mesmerized. He is the one who had
not met her before. Slowly he smiled,
breaking his trance, and said, “I never
heard anything like that before. I
wanted to say, ‘yes, ma’am.’”
Homecoming had a number of
special moments like that. Ed Stern,
who attended in 1935, came back
from Fargo, too, with his son Rick.
Ed’s father funded Straus Clothiers
here decades ago. His parents sent
him to UND at first, but he
transferred back here for a year.
Seems a lovely girl (whom he later
married) had something to do with
it. The folks sent him to a prominent
Pennsylvania university to
graduate. Ed said he worried
whether his North Dakota credits
would transfer. As it turned out,
his one accounting class from
VCSU was so good that Ed tested
out of two classes in Pennsylvania.
VCSU’s reputation for great
faculty echoes through every
decade of its existence. Pete
Hughes was back, too, from the
class of 1981. He had never seen
anything like our state until he
made the long, long drive from
Maryland, crossing state after state
and entering North Dakota in a
March winter storm. He came here
to play football and had been told
to go to the Bubble when he got
to town. He found it, but he could
not imagine what all those horse
trailers and cowboys were about.
A Winter Show attendant kindly
sent him down the hill, where he
played and studied well all the way
through graduation. We
celebrated his induction into the
athletic Hall of Fame, as well as
the successful coaching and
education career he is pursuing
back in his home state. Another
special feature of Homecoming is
the effort people make to be here.
Si Siewert takes the cake for that,
coming back from California every
year but one since 1988. More
people every year decide to return
often, not just for a specific
reunion. Thanks very much to the
many hard-working folks who
produced a wonderful series of
events for us all to enjoy!
Isabel (Muir) McLaren ’43 and
Val Moritz.
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VCSU Foundation
PERMIT NO. 86